Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis has an exciting postdoctoral opportunity to participate in research directed at understanding genetic architecture of complex traits by identifying causative variations associated with feed efficiency, growth rate and/or disease resistance in poultry. The selected candidate will utilize newly annotated functional regulatory elements in poultry genome to focus on tissue-specific cis-regulatory elements that regulate genes and networks associated with above complex traits. The candidate will use well-characterized genetic lines that differ in their phenotype on the respective complex traits in chickens to identify and functionally validate potential causative variants, specifically targeting on regulatory regions, using CRISPRi and CRISPRa. These efforts will ultimately provide needed information that can be used to precision genomic selection for significant improvements for poultry breeders. This project will leverage the varied epigenomic assays (ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, Hi-C) and integrative omic data analysis pipeline our group has developed, and computational capabilities at the group, as well as new or existing collaborations with scientists at the department, the Genome Center at UC Davis, and external groups.
Specific Responsibilities:
Design and lead animal experiments and in-vitro work
Conduct and/or develop varied sequence-based assays such as scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and Hi-C and/or other high-throughput technologies such as CRISPRi and CRISPRa.
Integrate omic data analysis
Work with other peer scientists and external collaborators on functional genomics analysis in poultry
Analyze and summarize data and present findings at internal lab meetings and scientific conferences.
Publish in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to scientific research papers and reports.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in animal biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, immunology, computational biology or a related field.
Solid understanding of animal genetics, biology, physiology and/or disease of poultry.
Experience with microscopy, histology and/or cell fractionation a plus.
Experience in epigenomics and computational data analysis a plus
Experience with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA/RNA extraction, cell culture, and analysis methods.
Strong interest in genomic and functional genomic questions and in the use of computational strategies to derive biological insights from sequence data.
Demonstrated scientific productivity through publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
This is a one year postdoctoral employee appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post- degree. Interested candidates please submit cover letter and CV with contact information of three references. Questions email Dr. Huaijun Zhou at hzhou@ucdavis.edu.
UC Davis provides a welcoming environment with many mentoring and career development opportunities. Especially, we provide a supportive environment for transition into faculty and non-faculty careers.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/dod4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.
UC Davis is the home of the Aggies — go-getters, change makers and problem solvers who make their mark at one of the top public universities in the United States. Since we first opened in 1908, we’ve been known for standout academics, sustainability and Aggie Pride as well as valuing the Northern California lifestyle. These themes are woven into our 100-plus-year history and our reputation for solving problems related to food, health, the environment and society.Our 5,300-acre campus is in the city of Davis, a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in Yolo County. The state capital is 20 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive.
